IRELAND’s most recent diplomatic mission, the Irish Consulate General for the North of England, has started working in Manchester.
Opened on July 1, the new office “will strengthen political, business, community and cultural ties between Ireland and the north of England,” a spokesperson for the Irish Foreign Office told The Irish Post.
“Its creation also demonstrates the Irish government’s commitment to strengthening Anglo-Irish relations after the UK leaves the European Union,” they added.
The new Consulate General will be responsible for representing Irish interests in the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber.
Irish Ambassador to Great Britain Adrian O’Neill, who attended the inauguration, said: “I am delighted that the new Irish Consulate General for the North of England is now operational in Manchester.
“I warmly welcome Consul General Sarah Mangan and Deputy Consul General Carina O’Brien as new members of Team Ireland in Britain.”
He added: “The relationship between Ireland and the region of northern England has deep roots in history, but is also very contemporary in the vibrant links across the Irish Sea.
“These ties encompass the fields of business, education, culture, sport and, most importantly, community.
“The new Consulate General will play a crucial role in maintaining and deepening this rich and multifaceted relationship, as well as in the advancement and promotion of Irish interests in the north of England.
Currently located in temporary offices in central Manchester, the consulate will work alongside and in partnership with the city branch of Enterprise Ireland – which was established in April 2019 to support the growth of Irish businesses and commerce.
Consul General Sarah Mangan and Vice Consul Carina O’Brien with Liverpool Metropolitan Area Mayor Steve RotheramThe new mission will be led by Consul General Sarah Mangan, who said at the opening: “I am very honored and very privileged to be appointed First Consul General of Ireland in the North of England.
“The opening of a Consulate General in Manchester is a concrete example of the Irish Government’s enduring commitment to Anglo-Irish relations, the Irish community in Britain and Irish businesses operating here. “
She added: “Building on the work of the Irish Embassy in London and in close cooperation with Enterprise Ireland and other state agencies, the Consulate General team will work to promote Irish interests in the northern England.
“My team and I look forward to getting to know the Irish community and friends of Ireland across the region over the next few months. “
Ms. Mangan will be accompanied by Vice-Consul Carina O’Brien at the Consulate General.
An official opening ceremony for the new mission is due to take place later this year.
For more information or to contact the Consulate General Click here or call 0161 638 8240.
